From Acupuncture to Yoga

Healthy Teeth and Gums Can be Yours (Part Two)

Learning how to brush and floss your teeth properly are both important elements of having healthy teeth and gums.

Eating a nutritious well balanced diet is a good start towards having healthy teeth and gums but it is only the beginning. To maintain your oral health you need to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. You also need to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. It is advisable that you see your dentist at least every six months.

Brushing Your Teeth

Would it surprise you to know that proper brushing takes a good two minutes to complete from start to finish? It does! That is 120 seconds. However the average person brushes for no more than five to six seconds at a time. That means that you may not be getting the job done as well as it is supposed to get done.

Always buy a soft bristle toothbrush and place it at a 45-degree angle to the tooth you are cleaning. Use a gentle massaging action that includes small circular strokes. First you should clean the outer surfaces of your top teeth and then the outer surfaces of your bottom teeth. Then clean the inner surfaces of the top and then the bottom. Then clean the parts of the teeth where you chew. To insure that your breath is as fresh as possible, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well.

Do not brush too vigorously as you can wear down the enamel of teeth. Instead apply light pressure only. In particular, pay close attention to the teeth at the back that are hard-to-reach, as well as the gumline. Also carefully clean around fillings, crowns and other dental work you have had done.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and night. It is preferable that you brush after every meal.
Flossing Your Teeth

Flossing is something that does not get done nearly enough by so many people! No one really enjoys it but it is an important aspect of oral hygiene. Why is it so important you wonder? Flossing is important because it loosens food that has become trapped between teeth that can lead to plaque build-up and the development of cavities. Flossing once a day should be sufficient. The best time to do so is at the end of the day before bedtime.

It does not matter whether you buy waxed or unwaxed dental floss, scented or unscented, thick or thin. Try different kinds and decide upon the one that suits you the best. When you floss use approximately 18 inches of floss and wind the majority of it around the middle finger on one hand and the remainder of it around the middle finger on the other hand. It is the second middle finger that will be taking the floss once it has been used. With care make sure you floss between each tooth but never be rough.

To learn more about maintaining healthy teeth and gums, please visit these websites: